Genre: Superhero | Writer: Brian Buccellato | Release Date: 2019 | Publisher: DC Comics
When the Greek gods intervene in Superman’s authoritarian regime, divine forces clash with Earth’s mightiest heroes. As alliances shift and tensions escalate, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Olympians face a brutal reckoning in this mythic chapter of Injustice.
Writing
Brian Buccellato takes over the reins from Tom Taylor, and the tonal shift is immediate. While Taylor’s arcs were emotionally driven and laser-focused on character trauma and personal stakes, Year Four pivots toward mythological scale and ideological warfare. Buccellato’s story explores the divine intervention of the Greek gods, led by Zeus, in Superman’s totalitarian regime. The opening is a slow burn, setting the board rather than making immediate moves. The plot introduces several subplots that at times drag the pacing—especially around Ares’ manipulations and the politics of Olympus—but it also introduces bold thematic questions: who gets to rule, and why?
One of the strongest elements remains the character work. Renee Montoya becomes an unlikely but deeply compelling hero, rising to challenge Superman solo after Huntress’ death. Her final stand is among the most emotionally resonant moments of the entire volume. Lex Luthor is layered and manipulative, yet somewhat principled. Ares, as the divine instigator, fulfills the chaos agent archetype with satisfying menace. Superman continues his slow, frightening descent from flawed protector to full-blown despot, and Wonder Woman is torn between loyalty and morality. The inner turmoil across the board makes for rewarding reading.
Though some moments feel like filler—especially early issues that reintroduce alliances or spin wheels with magical exposition—the stakes remain high, and the payoffs, particularly in the climactic battles, justify the journey. Aquaman and Mera vs. Poseidon, and Superman vs. Wonder Woman, deliver emotional weight alongside brute force. While the story may lack the personal tragedy of Year Two or the clever subversions of Year Three, it still contributes meaningfully to the arc of Injustice as a whole.
Ranking: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Bruno Redondo is once again the MVP of the Injustice series, delivering stellar visual storytelling that balances action, emotion, and world-building. His character designs maintain the aesthetic consistency across previous years while upping the ante to incorporate the grandeur of the gods. Zeus, in particular, is a visual highlight—regal, powerful, and immediately commanding. While DC's divine characters are often plagued by outdated or overly fantastical designs, Redondo’s portrayal walks the line between mythic and modern, bringing the pantheon into the Injustice universe convincingly.
The paneling is fluid, particularly during large-scale confrontations. Action beats feel clean and brutal, whether it’s Wonder Woman’s swordplay or Poseidon unleashing the fury of the sea. Even quieter conversations are handled with cinematic care—close-ups, over-the-shoulders, and layered visual subtext convey tension without words. Redondo’s attention to facial expressions heightens the drama, especially in scenes like Montoya’s final stand or Lex’s scheming moments in the shadows.
Tone-wise, the art complements Buccellato’s darker, more morally gray writing direction. The atmosphere is dense with tension, and even divine settings feel gritty and grounded. The color palette helps immensely here—fiery oranges, shadowy purples, and electric blues dominate the page, emphasizing the chaos seeping through every layer of the story.
The cover art for collected issues is consistently strong, often showcasing thematic duos or battles (like Superman and Zeus), while reflecting the power struggle that defines Year Four. Redondo and his team manage to elevate this year visually despite the somewhat uneven narrative.
Ranking: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Four – The Complete Collection isn’t as emotionally piercing or tightly plotted as previous years, but it takes bold narrative swings that mostly work. Buccellato crafts a story that moves the mythos forward while redefining Superman’s tyranny through the lens of divine opposition. The characterization of Renee Montoya, Lex Luthor, and Ares adds necessary texture, and the Superman/Wonder Woman dynamic remains compelling. Unfortunately, some subplots—especially involving the Joker, Olympus politics, and Harley’s diminished role—are underdeveloped, and the pacing stumbles midway.
However, what Year Four lacks in narrative tightness, it makes up for in spectacle, characterization, and visual excellence. Redondo’s artwork remains top-tier, providing cinematic action, emotional depth, and a mythological presence that sells the gods as legitimate threats. Despite its flaws, this volume remains a satisfying and essential installment in the Injustice saga. Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Four – The Complete Collection gets 4 out of 5.
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